Wendell John Wagner

Friday

Mar 21, 2014 at 9:55 AM

Wendell John Wagner, of Gregory, Mich., age 67, passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at his home.

He was born on Nov. 8, 1946, in Adrian, Mich., to Norbert and Genevieve Wagner. Wendell graduated in 1964 from Catholic Central and went on to attend Eastern Michigan University. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, July 5, 1966, served in Vietnam throughout 1967 with the 5th Marine Division, and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant E5. On Feb. 22, 1969, Wendell married Christine Drake and the two recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.

Wendell retired from Dayton Progress Corp. in February of 2012, where he worked as a regional manager. Wendell was an avid reader as well as an author, and he also had a patent for a die press. He treasured his family and dearly loved his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Chris, he is survived by his children, Stefanie (Paul) Hedding of Gregory and Alyssa (Aaron) Babycz of Chelsea; his grandchildren, Faith Hedding and Lucas and Wesley Babycz; brothers, Tom Wagner of Las Vegas, Nev., Steven (Cheryl) Wagner of York, Pa., Bert (Christie) Wagner of Pinckney, Richard Wagner (Gary Stallings) of Butte, Mont., Mark (Mary) Wagner of Plymouth Meeting, Pa., and Kevin (Chris) Wagner of Indianapolis, Ind.; sisters, Sandra Nikirk of Monroe, Diana Howard of Northville, Kathleen (James) Schuller of Sylvania, Ohio, and Lisa (Jay) Doan of Monroe; his parents-in-law, Leo and Mardelle Drake of Adrian; as well as many nieces and nephews. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Carl Nikirk.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 Main St., Chelsea, with Chaplain Lori Feiler officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation.